Armed Forces Entertainment and Navy Entertainment bring rock bands to Ramstein

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amber Bressler
  • Ramstein Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Rock bands Hinder and Ember performed a free concert at Ramstein as part of the "Freedom Rocks" tour for service members and their families, June 5.

Emerging band Ember, from Austin TX, opened the concert and rocked the crowd with one of their latest hits titled "American Hero". Hinder headlined the show with hits from their latest album, Take it to the Limit, which debuted at number four on the Billboard 200.

Kristen Moore, 16 year old Kaiserslautern High School student, attended the concert with her mom.
She said, "I love Hinder! They are the best band ever and I think it's awesome that they came here for us." Her mom agreed and said, "It really shows their patriotism."

"We came for the troops, 110 percent, because of everything you do for us," said Deuce Wanier, lead guitar for Ember. "Every time we go on stage we are reminded of our freedom. We are able to do play for you guys, because you are out doing your job protecting us."

The artists get a good perspective of what military service really means. Especially when bumping into old friends from their home towns.

"It was such a surprise to run into someone at Baumholder that I grew up with and used to play with," said Deuce.

Hinder made a stop at the Wounded Warrior Unit in Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.

"We met someone from Oklahoma where we are from in the ICU," said Mike Rodden, bass guitar for Hinder. "I was kind of nervous because I didn't know what to say, but once we started talking I was impressed that after all he has been through, he was in great spirits."

Armed Forces Entertainment and Navy Entertainment partnered up to put on this show.

"I think it is excellent that they are visiting, it boosts the morale of everyone," said Melissa Welch, Director of public relations for Armed Forces Entertainment. "Hinder and Ember volunteered their time to come out and perform for us."

The goal of Armed Forces Entertainment and Navy Entertainment is to bring entertainment to the troops stationed overseas and at remote and isolated locations.

"We support everything you do for us," said Austin Winkler, lead vocals for Hinder. "God bless you."